The Patman Center brings together speakers from across the political spectrum, including public leaders, political professionals, and policy experts. Our events provide real-world perspectives on governance, campaigns, and civic life, offering students and the broader community an inside look at how leadership and democracy function in practice.
2025 Past Speakers
Throughout the 2025 academic year, Patman Center programming connected audiences with 26 leaders actively engaged in politics from both sides of the aisle, including elected officials, campaign strategists, and legislative staff, providing firsthand insight into how political decisions are made.
2024 Past Speakers
In Spring 2024, The Patman Center welcomed 36 distinguished speakers from across the political spectrum. From Republican to Democratic elected officials to legislative staff and campaign professionals, our events bring real-world insights from leaders shaping politics today.
The Patman Center Events
Event Status
Canceled
Date and time: Tuesday April 21, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
This session is designed to equip participants with the tools to engage in disagreement constructively. In an era of polarization and civic tension, attendees will build practical skills in empathy, perspective-taking, and managing difficult conversations across political and ideological differences. Led by psychologist and public affairs scholar Dr. Becca North, the training integrates research-based insight with applied strategies to strengthen civic leadership and democratic discourse.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Monday April 27, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a conversation with actor Ben McKenzie, author of "Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud", and director of the new documentary “Everyone Is Lying To You For Your Money”, as he examines the intersection of culture, finance, and governance. Best known for his role on The O.C. and Gotham, McKenzie brings a distinctive perspective from Hollywood to public policy in a timely discussion on cryptocurrency and the future of financial accountability.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Monday April 27, 2026, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Please join us for a networking reception immediately following LBJ Conversations with Evan Smith featuring Ben McKenzie. This reception offers an opportunity to continue the conversation, connect with fellow attendees, and engage with students, alumni, and members of the LBJ School community in a more informal setting.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Thursday May 14, 2026, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Join us for a networking reception bringing together UT students and alumni in Washington DC for an evening of connection, conversation, and community.